Read Online Jo Beverley - [Rogue ] by An Arranged Mariage - Free Book Online Page A

that his criticism was well-founded, and she forced out an apology. "I am sorry then. You are quite correct. I will be careful not to do such a thing again."
    She stood, grateful for the concealment of her tent-like nightgown. "Good night."
    He made no move, merely studied her. "So you meant what you wrote," he said thoughtfully. "I had come to think you had more spirit."
    Fear resurged. "I have spirit enough to fight for the right to lie unmolested in that bed tonight. I am not drugged now, sir!"
    She took a step back and glanced around in search of a potential weapon in case he came at her. The only thing was her hairbrush. She was sure that would terrify him to death!
    He did not approach her, however. He merely sighed and walked away to collapse gracefully on the rug before the fire. Casually he tossed the note upon the coals, where it blazed and then flew in ashes up the chimney.
    With one long hand and his chin resting upon his raised knee, his lithe body was haloed by the fire. Eleanor had to struggle to keep her breathing even. She told herself it was fear that was trembling through her but was not convinced. Did he know what a stunning picture he made?
    Like a breath of sanity she realized he almost certainly did. Nicholas Delaney, she decided, was a man used to playing others like instruments—stirring them to action, chiding them into line, and gentling them to produce the tune of his choosing.
    He would not find her so easy to manipulate.
    He spoke softly, gazing into the fire. "You are afraid. I can understand that after the experience you had. But I can assure you it will not be that way again. I have no desire to force you. Ever."
    He paused, perhaps to allow her to speak, perhaps to collect his own thoughts. When she remained silent, he turned his head to look at her. "Eleanor, we must talk about this, and it would be easier if you would come over here." With a smile he added, "If there are to be any hostilities I promise to allow you to return to your present position."
    Eleanor seized on this. "In one breath you promise not to molest me," she sneered, "and in the next you threaten me. You are despicable. I wish I had never laid eyes on you."
    His brown eyes were calm as he appeared to consider her words. "And be back in your brother's house?" he queried gently.
    After a moment during which Eleanor could think of nothing to say, he continued without apparent artifice. "May I remind you, madam, we are married... for life. It may suit you to live your life in a state of war, but it does not suit me. I am endeavoring to find a modus operandi which will make life bearable for both of us. I am even beginning to harbor hopes there may be some happiness to be found in this arrangement. I, at least, am pleasantly surprised by the partner fate has found for me... even if you are showing more spines than a hedgehog."
    He smiled then, and it took all her resolution not to return the smile and melt into compliance. She commanded herself to remain silent.
    "I cannot see any hope for us, however," he continued in that entrancing voice, "if you intend to shun the physical side of marriage."
    The soft voice had been deceptive. Such plain speaking shocked her. "I have no intention of... But I hardly know you, even though..." Eleanor marshaled her disordered wits. "Surely," she argued, "the marriage act without love is a kind of rape."
    His smile broadened almost to a grin. "Then rape is a common enough crime, I'm afraid. Let us discuss this, but not across the width of the room. Come and sit in the chair. My parole still holds."
    Drawn as if by a string, Eleanor obeyed and sat facing him. At least she was out of his reach.
    "Eleanor," he said, "I believe you are an intelligent woman. I have watched you today and admired your courage, your quickness. I want to consummate our marriage."
    He had her so bewitched that she didn't flee at those words. She didn't move at all.
    "I will give you my reasons," he continued, "and perhaps